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Cacao Protein Bars

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Protein packed and vegan, these cacao bars give a whole new meaning to healthy snacking!!

Living the Gourmet: Cocoa Protein Bars

Between media events, features, recipes, and the ‘meat’ of our behind the scenes stories, we’re often asked how we have time for all that goes on with the site, and how we manage to stay so active. The truth is, however, the vast majority of what we do happens behind a desk, and is divided between several screens of varying sizes.

As a result, we, like everyone else, must make a conscious effort to keep active. It is only through force of will that we manage to put down the plastic prosthesis that our phones have morphed into, and to unplug from the computers whose data may as well flow like a physical property through our veins.

However, much like Keanu after ripping himself free from the bonds of his computerized prison the Matrix, we too are weary when separated from our screens. More often than not, when all is said and done, we’re yearning to trade in the computer chair for a couch, and the computer screen for a TV screen. Activity be damned, we’re tired.

Regardless of our digitally induced exhaustion, our humanity refuses to be ignored, and when it is, it strikes back. Whether in the pain of underused joints or increasing levels of lethargy, our human side insists upon making itself known. However, with the warmer spring weather upon us, now is no time to give into aches, pains, and exhaustion. No, now it is time to overcome one’s tiredness, and brave the great outdoors, and that is precisely where these energy bars come in.

Made with protein powder, dates, flax seed, coconut oil, flakes, and oatmeal, these bars are equal parts health and flavor. A sweet, chocolaty exterior melds into a rich grainy center, providing the perfect boost either before or during a workout, while gracing the body with copious amounts of protein, and a healthy source of energy.

Living the Gourmet: Cocoa Protein Bars

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Cacao Protein Bars

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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Living the Gourmet

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons cacao butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 6 dates
  • 2 tablespoons ground oats
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon flax seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground wheat germ
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
  • 3 tablespoons organic chocolate
  • Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. In your food processor, mix cacao butter, coconut oil, dates, oats, protein powder, flax seed, wheat germ, and coconut flakes.
  2. Shape the the mixture into a rectangular bar on tinfoil or parchment paper. Wrap and freeze for about 15 minutes.
  3. Melt chocolate and spread evenly over bar, then immediately sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
  4. Let the chocolate cool and set.
  5. Store in the freezer or fridge until ready to enjoy.
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Living the Gourmet: Cocoa Protein Bars

Forward written by Michael Pappas
Recipe constructed by Tammy Pappas
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Comments

  1. Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says

    My tummy insists that healthy ain’t healthy for it most of the time, but with you being you, it is willing to give them a try. Oh, and it ain’t no April-Foolin’. I should be back in the normal swing of things on Wednesday.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  3. Chris Scheuer says

    So true! We do have to make the time to take care of ourselves! These look wonderful and they sound like they’d be perfect to have on hand for revitalization. It does seem like every day is a crazy day for those with a blog/farm ( that’s what we call it as the work is never done :)).

    Reply

  6. Hootin' Anni says

    Looks scrumptious. The chocolate is something I must stay away from for now…the caffeine is on my list of prohibited foods. Even a morsel of that makes my heart go into a tailspin. I’m wondering if white chocolate could be substituted.

    Reply

  9. V says

    What a healthy dessert or snack idea. Perfect for a sweet tooth, but one that also wants to stay in shape!

    Reply

  10. Comedy Plus says

    What a great way to boost your energy when needed. I used to do this type of thing mid morning years ago when I was working. Really made a difference in my performance. I never had anything that looked this good though.

    Have a terrific day. ☺

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  13. Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says

    Dear Tammy and Michael,
    Cacao Protein Bars look very delicious, plus they give us that extra push when we need it. Perfect to have these bars ready for when I am writing….when i need that boast. Fabulous post!
    Dottie 🙂

    Reply

  14. tanna says

    This looks decadent and delicious! That’s my kind of healthy food! Thank you all! blessings ~ tanna

    Reply

  30. AnnMarie says

    These look good enough to eat! 🙂 I am usually inhibited by ingredients that I don’t normally use but I have a great grocery store nearby that will have all of them. Pinned!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  33. Marla says

    These bars sound fabulous and so easy to make. thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted,

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  36. Marla says

    Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your posts as one of my features for this week Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live @7 pm EST. Thanks for being part of Real Food Fridays. Sorry I could not get the picture of your protein bars to copy on blog for some unknown reason. Have a healthy week!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  44. marie johson says

    I love making snack bars for work and it’s no secret that I love chocolate, Cacao protein bars are so delicious <3 Thanks fir the recipe 🙂

    Reply

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